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CDO Vibe: Murals, Hawker Stalls, Ukay-Ukay & Concerts

CDO Vibe: Murals, Hawker Stalls, Ukay-Ukay & Concerts

Even though its already the last week of Janaury, lanterns still light Vicente de Lara Park (just in front of the Provincial Capitol). A testament to Filipinos love of holidays (or tinamad lang tanggalin, but still these are a welcome treat to me eyes)

Walking along Velez St., on towards CDO’s downtown is an experience worth sharing. I can’t believe myself that commercialism is so much alive in this city. Slowly, I was comparing the streets of Cagayan de Oro to Manila, the building traffic and pollution would somehow give you a taste of the big city. Well, CDO is becoming a fast a business hub of Mindanao and people busy enough to notice would somehow forget to stop and “smell the flower.”

Tribute to the Slain Members of the Press Monument, Provincial Capitol Park

Murals on Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School

I was trying to feel the city vibe, noticeably are the Murals along Velez Street. Each district of Misamis Oriental showcased their best offering to the people keen enough to know. What I like about the wall paintings are the lively color that are sure to capture the eyes of the tourist. What more, they somehow give you an idea of what to see in their towns, giving travelers myriad of choices and not only the usual Malasag Garden, Macahambus Cave, Cebu Pacific Flight 387 Monument and Carmelite Monastery (Note: I didn’t go to these places). These murals are hand-painted by “professional visual artists of the Oro Artists Guild. It is an open art gallery depicting the 100 years of Rotary Service in the world,” especially in the area of arts and culture. It is a sight to cherish.

Divisoria Hawker Stalls & Night Market

The sprawling kiosks during the Night Market, viewed from Jollibee’s window

I can write dozens of blog posts about Divisoria (CDO-style), it is a strip of food stalls and barbeque grills providing both locals and travelers food after a busy day. The Golden Friendship Park is brimming with all kinds of food, from chicken inasal (barbequed chicken) to kwek-kwek (deep fried egg covered with orange flour). I can’t wait to taste some so I ordered a value meal Chicken Inasal with 3 puso (rice steam cooked in coconut leaves) for only Php 71.00, add a cup of Coke eaten al fresco and my tummy said, enough!!

Choose one and they will grill it for you, love it hot and flavourful.

I am lovin’ the energy, the locals coming together as if there is fiesta, the air-filled-smoke from the grills, Christmas lights and the loud music here and there from the speakers or bands performing. This is Divisoria and Night Market, CDO-style. Ohhhhh, I forgot to tell you about the Ukay-Ukay that is sure to topple Baguio’s Session Road with second-hand clothes and apparels every UK-fashionista would die for. You wouldn’t believe I saw original Havaianas being sold for only Php230.00 a pair. Btw, I’m not a fan of Havs so I don’t Hav.

Should you happen to visit this bustling city, trying having a short walk, starting from the Vicente de Lara Park in front of the Provincial Capitol towards Golden Friendship Park. Satisfy your senses, be amazed by the murals, watch the chess games, enjoy the sight of jeepney and motorela traffic, taste the grilled meat, listen to the live bands or just make a cheap shopping spree, CDO-style. You wouldn’t understand unless you see in for yourself.

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NORTHERN MINDANAO ESCAPADE.This post is part of a series born out of my adventures in Region X last January 19-25, 2011. I also challenged myself to live within Php500 or less/day budget (food, transportation, accommodation, etc.) as I am preparing for my “The Cheapest 100 Days of Backpacking around the Philippines.”

Velez street is the major thoroughfare of cagayan de oro up to the divisoria where you can be amused with so many stalls of night market or cafe. Today, they are extending it to the newly built rotunda of Cagayan de Oro City. I spotted these stalls when I got home from Manila, just this March. Nice coverage james. Its so comprehensive, indeed.

Divisoria night market and night cafe are held every friday and saturday. I finished my college studies in Cagayan de Oro City and through the years, I observed that it is becoming more congested and the traffic is just horrible. Still, there are some places, like the ones featured here, that are worth checking out.

Cagayan de Oro looked so different from how I remembered it ages ago! Btw, I read your series about the Php250 a day travel budget. Cool! But I think you cut it too deep to the bone. You almost did not make it back LOL. Maybe Php500/day is a saner alternative. I’ll look forward to this one.

am glad you enjoyed my hometown:) hehe. sometimes the place where you came from is the least appreciated, the last on your list to tour/discover. It feels like i’m a drifter in my own city:( guilty as charge.

well, i’m not fond of partying and bar hopping but what i like in the night cafe is the food trip experience. congrats! you’re always welcome to come to our province kuya james. it’s the city of golden friendship…

I still remember the days when we hang out with my friends at Divisoria and have tried this ukay ukay of dress, shoes and many more. Items displayed were so affordable but in good quality. Hope the Government officials will allow this again in the city.